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The poem Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev is the sixth poem in the Poetry section of the NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words textbook. This poem celebrates the poet’s deep connection to her native language, Dogri. Through a dialogue, the poet explores themes of linguistic pride, cultural identity, and devotion to one’s mother tongue. This blog provides easy-to-understand NCERT Class 11 English notes with explanations, meanings, and analysis to help students understand the poem’s themes of language and heritage. You can also download the free PDF for quick revision.
Contents
- 1 Important Word Meanings in Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev
- 2 Line-by-Line Explanation of the NCERT Class 11 English Poem 6: Mother Tongue
- 3 Analysis of the NCERT Class 11 English Poem 6: Mother Tongue
- 4 Summary of Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev
- 5 Poetic Devices in NCERT Class 11 English Poem 6: Mother Tongue
- 6 FAQs
Explore Notes of Class 11 English Woven Words
Important Word Meanings in Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev
In the poem Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev, specific words and phrases are used to convey the poet’s reverence for her native language, Dogri, and its cultural significance. Understanding these terms clarifies the poem’s tone and message.
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| Stem | The main stalk of a plant, here referring to the reed |
| Swinging on a reed | The reed’s gentle movement, suggesting its lively, natural state |
| Quill | A writing tool made from a feather or, here, a reed’s stem, symbolising the act of writing in the mother tongue |
| Irritated | Annoyed or exasperated, reflecting the reed’s reaction to the poet’s request |
| Shah | A king or wealthy employer used the reed to question the poet’s profession |
| Shahni | A queen or noblewoman, symbolising the mother tongue, Dogri, as a powerful and revered entity |
| Very well off | Wealthy or prosperous, emphasising the richness of the mother tongue |
| Servants | Individuals devoted to serving, here referring to those who cherish and use Dogri |
| Ever ready to do her bidding | Always prepared to serve or follow the mother tongue’s call |
| Mother tongue | The native language, Dogri, personified as a commanding yet benevolent figure |
| Dogri | The poet’s native language, a regional language of Jammu, is central to her identity |
| Cut off its hand | The reed’s act of giving a part of itself symbolises sacrifice for the mother tongue |
Line-by-Line Explanation of the NCERT Class 11 English Poem 6: Mother Tongue
Here is the line-by-line analysis of each stanza of the poem ‘Mother Tongue’
Lines 1–4:
I approached a stem
Swinging on a reed
And asked him
To give me a quill.
The poem begins with the speaker approaching a reed, personified as a living entity, and requesting a quill (a writing tool made from its stem). This sets a conversational tone, with the reed symbolising nature’s role in enabling the poet to express her devotion to her mother tongue.
Lines 5–9:
Irritated, he said
I gave you one only the other day
A new one, what have you done with it?
Are you some sort of an accountant
Working for a Shah
The reed responds with irritation, questioning why the speaker needs another quill so soon, implying she might have misused or lost the previous one. The reed humorously asks if she works for a “Shah” (king) as an accountant, a job requiring frequent writing, highlighting the speaker’s persistent need to write.
Lines 10–12:
Writing account books
Where you need a new pen
Every other day he asked.
The reed continues its playful accusation, suggesting that only an accountant for a wealthy employer would need a new quill so often, emphasising the speaker’s dedication to writing and her urgency to acquire a new tool.
Lines 13–17:
No, I don’t work for a Shah
I said, but for a Shahni, very kind,
Very well off
And I am not the only one
Working for her
The speaker clarifies that she doesn’t serve a Shah but a “Shahni” (queen), described as kind and prosperous. This Shahni is her mother tongue, Dogri, personified as a revered figure. The speaker notes that she is not alone, as many others also serve this language, highlighting its communal importance.
Lines 18–21:
She has many servants
Ever ready to do her bidding
That Shahni is my mother tongue
Dogri
The speaker elaborates that Dogri, her mother tongue, commands many devoted “servants” who are always ready to honour and promote it. Naming Dogri explicitly ties the poem to the poet’s cultural and linguistic identity, emphasising its significance.
Lines 22–24:
Give me, a quill, quickly
She must be looking for me
The reed cut off its hand
The speaker urgently requests the quill, driven by her duty to her mother tongue, suggesting that Dogri awaits her creative contribution. The reed, acknowledging its own devotion, sacrifices its “hand” (stem) to provide the quill, symbolising its willingness to serve the same cause.
Lines 25–26:
Gave it to me and said
Take it, I too am her servant.
The reed hands over the quill, declaring itself a servant of Dogri as well, uniting with the speaker in their shared devotion to the mother tongue, reinforcing the theme of collective reverence for language and culture.
Also Read: NCERT Notes Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 7: Glory at Twilight (Free PDF)
Analysis of the NCERT Class 11 English Poem 6: Mother Tongue
The poem Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev celebrates the poet’s deep connection to her native language, Dogri, personified as a benevolent and commanding “Shahni” (queen). Through a playful dialogue between the speaker and a personified reed, the poem explores themes of linguistic pride, cultural identity, and the collective devotion to preserving one’s mother tongue.
Theme – Linguistic Pride and Cultural Identity
The central theme is the celebration of the mother tongue, Dogri, as a symbol of cultural heritage and identity. The poet portrays Dogri as a powerful, kind, and prosperous entity, commanding loyalty from its “servants” who are dedicated to its preservation and expression, emphasising the importance of native languages in shaping personal and communal identity.
Symbolism and Meaning
Here we have mentioned the symbolism used in this poem, along with the meaning behind that.
- Shahni (Mother Tongue): Represents Dogri as a regal, nurturing figure, symbolising the richness and cultural significance of the native language.
- Reed/Quill: Symbolises the tools of expression (writing) that enable the poet to serve and promote her mother tongue, with the reed’s sacrifice highlighting the shared commitment to this cause.
- Servants: Represent the community of speakers and writers who cherish and uphold Dogri, emphasising collective cultural pride.
- Shah: A foil to the Shahni, used humorously by the reed to question the speaker’s need for a quill, contrasting with the true purpose of serving the mother tongue.
Human Experience
The poem captures the universal experience of pride in one’s native language and the sense of duty to preserve it. It resonates with readers who value their cultural and linguistic roots, reflecting the joy and responsibility of expressing identity through language, particularly in the context of regional languages like Dogri.
Tone and Mood
The tone and mood of the poem have been given as follows:
- Playful and Conversational: The dialogue with the reed is light and humorous, with the reed’s irritation adding a touch of wit.
- Reverent and Proud: The speaker’s tone becomes reverent when describing Dogri as a Shahni, evoking pride in her linguistic heritage.
- Inspirational: The mood inspires readers to appreciate and actively engage with their mother tongue, fostering a sense of cultural connection.
Summary of Mother Tongue by Padma Sachdev
In Mother Tongue, Padma Sachdev celebrates her native language, Dogri, through a dialogue between the speaker and a personified reed. The speaker requests a quill to write, prompting the reed’s irritated question about whether she works for a “Shah” as an accountant needing frequent pens. The speaker clarifies that she serves a “Shahni,” her mother tongue, Dogri, described as kind, prosperous, and commanding many devoted servants. Urgently requesting the quill to fulfil her duty, the speaker inspires the reed, which sacrifices its “hand” and declares itself a servant of Dogri, too. The poem underscores the pride and collective responsibility of preserving one’s native language and cultural identity.
Poetic Devices in NCERT Class 11 English Poem 6: Mother Tongue
Padma Sachdev employs several poetic devices to convey the poem’s message and enhance its emotional and rhythmic impact.
| Device | Example | Effect |
| Personification | “I approached a stem / Swinging on a reed / And asked him” | Gives the reed human qualities, making the dialogue lively and engaging |
| Metaphor | “That Shahni is my mother tongue / Dogri” | Compares Dogri to a queen, emphasising its power and reverence |
| Imagery | “Swinging on a reed” | Creates a vivid picture of the reed’s natural movement, setting a lively scene |
| Dialogue | “Are you some sort of an accountant / working for a Shah?” | Adds a conversational, playful tone, enhancing the poem’s accessibility |
| Symbolism | “Quill” and “cut off its hand” | The quill symbolises the act of writing in Dogri, and the reed’s sacrifice reflects devotion to the mother tongue |
| Alliteration | “She has many servants” | Enhances rhythm and emphasises the collective devotion to Dogri |
Download more NCERT Solutions of Class 11 English ‘Woven Words’ here!
| Poem 1: The Peacock Solution |
| Poem 2: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds Solution |
| Poem 3: Coming Solution |
| Poem 4: Telephone Conversation Solution |
Credit: Magnet Brains
Explore Notes of Other NCERT Class 11 Subjects
| History | Geography | Political Science | Psychology | Sociology |
FAQs
The main theme is linguistic pride and cultural identity, with the poet celebrating her native language, Dogri, as a revered “Shahni” and emphasising the collective responsibility to preserve and express it.
Dogri is personified as a “Shahni” (queen) to highlight its power, richness, and benevolence, portraying it as a commanding yet kind figure that inspires devotion from its speakers, who are its “servants.”
The reed’s act of cutting off its “hand” to give a quill symbolises its willingness to sacrifice for the mother tongue, reflecting the shared commitment of the poet and nature to serve and promote Dogri.
For NCERT study material, follow the NCERT Notes and Solutions Class 11 English by Leverage Edu now.
